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Abstract

Effective Team Project Planning

In whatever project we attempt, effective planning profoundly increases the likelihood of successful completion of that project. This holds true for professional or school environments. It is a major factor in both independent and team projects. Because the bulk of planning for a group project traditionally falls on the shoulders of the group leader's guidance, I will be focusing this article on the team leader's perspective, organization, and effectiveness.











In the workplace, the team leader's job is to make decisions that benefit the team and the whole company. This places them with a lot of responsibility. They must contemplate the options and consciously select the decision-making strategy most appropriate for the circumstances in which the decision will be made and implemented. Often the decision-making style chosen is among the most significant roles of the project manager. Communication and interpersonal skills of the group members influence the decision. The incorrect approach can cause problems within the group. "Research conducted by Wheelen, Murphy, Tsumura and Kline (1998) demonstrates a clear correlation between positive group dynamics and team productivity". There are many decision-making strategies available. Three of the most common styles are when decisions are made by the group leader alone, decisions by the leader after group discussion, and consensus by the whole group.

In one decision making style the leader makes the decision without consulting the group at all and takes complete responsibility for the outcome of the decision. The leader does not involve the team members in the decision and chooses based on their own knowledge and analysis of the problem. They then must explain the decision to the group in order to gain their acceptance of it. One of...